Health Encyclopedia

Avoiding a First Heart Attack With Aspirin

You have probably heard that aspirin prevents
heart attacks
in people with
heart disease
. But did you know that it also works in healthy people without pre-existing cardiovascular problems? Research has shown that aspirin is effective in preventing first heart attacks in healthy people who have risk factors for the disease. It does this by staving off blood clots that can trigger heart attacks. But does this mean everyone should be taking aspirin therapy? According to the studies, the answer to that question is no, unless you have risk factors for the disease.

US Preventive Services Task Force

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of medical experts, recommends aspirin therapy in the following groups:

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends aspirin therapy for people who are considered to be at high risk of having a heart attack. A person is high risk if they have conditions such as established heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, chronic renal disease, or diabetes. People may also be at high risk they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoke.

Your Risk Factors

Heart disease is more common in people age 65 years or older, especially men. The risk is higher in people of African American, Mexican American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Asian American descent.

Consulting Your Doctor

If you think aspirin therapy may be right for you, be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. The discussion should take into account your calculated risk for heart disease, the known protective effects of aspirin, potential side effects (such as gastrointestinal bleeding), factors that increase your risk of side effects, and your personal preferences about medical care.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.